Change is not always welcome

Student athletes attending the new drug policy meeting.

By: Molly Maschka

Tis the season for athletic events here at Waldorf, and with sports comes drug testing for student athletes. With changes occurring in the drug policy athletic teams gathered at the Hansen Fieldhouse over a three day period to hear Nurse Mary Mathiason, trainer Heidi White-Laube and Athletic Director Bart Gray talk about the new policy. Each athlete was required to sign a release allowing for the implementation of the new policy. One of the most significant changes is instead of being informed 24 hours before a drug test, students will now be taken out of classes with no warning.

The reason for the change? There has been talk that some athletes will take supplements, that could potentially do harm to their bodies, in order to pass their drug test and continue to be eligible to play. While the rumor is yet to be substantiated, many athletes who abstain from drug use are upset with the new changes in the policy, especially being taken out of class to urinate in a cup.

“In regard, I agree with the policy but yet I am frustrated for the testing to take students out of class,” stated Marisa Donnelly, a senior pitcher for the Waldorf Softball team. “I’m a busy person and I really don’t like missing classes unless I absolutely have to.” Other athletes share the same view point. “I would rather just get up at 6 a.m.,” Rebecca Collins said, a junior on the bowling team. “It would just be easier than missing classes.”

So, what would be easier? To be taken out of class or waking up at 6 a.m. to be drug tested? It leaves many athletes wondering- will we be warned prior to our classes so we can tell our professors? Will students be excused from classes?

While some athletes may not agree with the new changes, drug testing is still very important. “On the other hand, I see the importance of the testing in regard to our sports,” Donnelly said. “I just wish it didn’t have to interfere with classes.”